Stretching the piriformis muscle can help relieve sciatica symptoms when the sciatic nerve is compressed by the muscle itself—a condition known as piriformis syndrome. By gently lengthening the piriformis, you reduce muscle tension and spasms that may be putting pressure on the nerve, improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation. This also promotes better hip mobility and activates the body’s natural relaxation response through the nervous system. However, this only helps if the piriformis i